Fort Vaux is one of the strings of fortifications surrounding Verdun I described in my first Verdun posting. It was the scene of the epic defence by the French before finally being over-run by the Germans. There was fighting inside the fort for days despite the water running out – the Germans on the top level and the French below. Incredible close quarter fighting – gas, black smoke, grenades, flamethrowers, machine guns were all used. Other Forts shelled this one to drive off the Germans.
There were last ditch attempts to seek aid – including the
last pigeon to fly out with a message!
The fighting went on for five days before the French
surrendered.
The outer works were heavily damaged but internally it is
remarkably intact (this does reflect repair work done in the War itself to
return the Fort to service).
It is a weird feeling to be inside where all the fighting
took place – there is even a cemetery inside where 19 Germans were killed by a
single shell in the fighting after they had captured the Fort. It was
eventually retaken by the French.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Vaux
Outside of Fort Vaux, Tricolour flying. This would have been the rear of the Fort. Can can see the layers of Earth on top of the basic structure. There was then a layer of sand another layer of concrete and finally the roof. Capable of standing up to most shells except really, really big ones...
Inside the main corridor on the top level - runs behind the view seen in the above picture. The Germans got into this bit at one point. The French eventually got them back out.
Looking down to the lower level (very wet!). The French ended up retreating here and fighting inside the Fort.
Note the Red Line - this signifies this part of the Fort is 'shell proof'. This is looking towards part of the Fort that proved otherwise!
Inside the Brogues Casement - French 75mm cannon in place. This was one of several casements that are for 'close' defence. They can also cover other Forts in the system.
Same Casement - from the outside! This part of the Fort was extensively repaired after the French recaptured it.
Looking down a level to the Cemetery.
Finally - looking out over the front of the Fort toward the ditch - another casement visible in top left. Concrete observation post with armoured cupola in the foreground. A lot more like these coming up in the Douaumant post!
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